Alonso and Button took different strategies, the Spaniard opting for a more conservative two-stop race and the Brit choosing with an aggressive three-stopper. Yet, when it all shook out, they finished astern in 12th and 13th.

Granted, the safety car’s intervention after first corner carnage did little to help both – but their lack of pace was the ultimate reason for the Woking team's failure to chalk up any more points on the board.

He conceded: “We need to look in detail at the areas in which we need to improve – we ran among a lot of different cars this afternoon, so we should have some useful reference points from which to gauge our respective strengths and weaknesses.

“On a positive note, today’s race was the first proper long run I’ve completed in this year’s car – I didn’t ever finish a 50-lap stint during testing and I retired early in Melbourne because of the accident.

“There’s a long way to go but we’ll keep improving. I’m already looking forward to the next race.”

There was consolation for Button, too, as he managed the third quickest lap of the race when fitted with faster Option tyres and low on fuel as the race wound down.

Better news still was to be found in the fact the two McLarens both completed the full race distance, highlighting the vast reliability improvements being made by Honda’s engine developers.

The team admit there’s more straightline speed to be found but upgrades have been promised.

Racing director Eric Boullier reckoned: “Both our cars performed with commendable reliability throughout all three days of the grand prix. So our friends at Honda should be lauded for that achievement.

“Equally, we’re encouraged by the power unit developments they have in the pipeline and, as a result, we’re confident that our overall performance will continue to improve apace.”

The test of that will come in Sochi on May 1 at the Russian Grand Prix.